Alameda City Council to prohibit the use of Ratio Utility Billing Systems (RUBS) for utility charges

The Alameda City Council will consider the final passage of an ordinance that would significantly change how housing providers recover utility costs from renters.

The proposal would:

• Prohibit the use of Ratio Utility Billing Systems (RUBS) for utility charges.
• Require housing providers to include utility costs in the rent unless utilities are individually sub-metered.
• Establish a one-time Utility Adjustment process that allows eligible landlords to incorporate qualifying utility costs into rent before RUBS is eliminated.

This item is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 7:00 PM as Item 5-K on the Consent Calendar, meaning it may be approved with little or no discussion unless it is pulled for consideration.

This ordinance would have a direct operational and financial impact on rental housing providers who currently utilize RUBS.

If adopted:

• RUBS billing would be prohibited.
• Utility costs would generally need to be incorporated into rent unless the property is individually sub-metered.
• Housing providers would only have a limited opportunity to seek a one-time utility adjustment before transitioning away from RUBS.

Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Alameda City Hall, 2263 Santa Clara Avenue, 3rd Floor Council Chambers

Zoom Registration: https://alamedaca-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_F8Z1oNyBTaqaRhDFST64Lg

Phone: 669-900-9128

Meeting ID: 813 4562 5605

EBRHA strongly encourages Alameda housing providers to:

• Attend the meeting in person or virtually.
• Provide public comment.
• Share how these changes would impact your property's operating costs and long-term housing affordability.
• Encourage fellow housing providers to participate.

Your participation is critical as the Council considers changes that will directly affect rental housing operations in Alameda.